PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) carried out a demo flight of the Wulung Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), at Suparlan Batujajar Airfield, Padalarang.

This demo flight is part of PTDI's efforts to commercialize the Wulung UAV product to potential users, as well as demonstrating its capabilities after going through various technical improvements.

The Wulung UAV is a surveillance drone developed in 2014 by PTDI, the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) – currently BRIN, and the Research and Development Agency (Balitbang) of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, which has gone through various series of tests, both ground tests and flight tests, until finally obtaining a Type Certificate from the Indonesian Defense Airworthiness Authority (IDAA) in 2016.

As part of further development, PTDI has received full support from BRIN in terms of innovation and system development to improve the competitive advantage of the Wulung UAV. This support includes technological improvements, as well as ongoing research to strengthen innovation in the aerospace sector and the national research ecosystem.

In addition, BRIN also plays a role in encouraging the commercialization of the Wulung UAV by increasing product exposure to potential markets, such as in the TNI and Bakamla environments. This effort aims to expand the adoption of the Wulung UAV in defense and security operations, while strengthening the competitiveness of the national aerospace industry.

In his remarks, Deputy Chief of BRIN, Rear Admiral TNI (ret.) Amarulla Octavian, said that Wulung was suitable enough to be operated at Navy or Bakamla bases.

"Wulung is technically able to fulfill the tactical needs to conduct maritime security patrols from the air. So with Wulung, it can be combined with ships at sea," he said.

As a tactical drone, the Wulung UAV is designed with autonomous operation capabilities and is equipped with a Ground Control Station (GCS) as a control center and transporter for flexible mobility.

Using lightweight and strong composite materials, and supported by a single piston engine of the pusher type, the Wulung UAV has a fuel capacity of 35 liters, an operating radius of 150 km, with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) capability of 125 kg, and a take-off & landing distance of less than 500 m, and a cruise speed of 50 knots.

"With BRIN's support, we will continue further development to improve flight endurance, strengthen landing gear to fly from all types of runways, reduce noise and use control systems, and other components using BRIN's R&D results and domestic ecosystems. In addition, we will also ensure the Wulung marine spec, to support maritime patrol operations throughout Indonesia," said PTDI Production Director, Dena Hendriana.

After witnessing the demo flight of the Wulung UAV, Kabakamla, Rear Admiral TNI Irvansyah, stated that he was quite satisfied with its performance.

In the future, PTDI continues to be committed to developing and improving the capabilities of the Wulung UAV to become more competitive in the defense and surveillance sectors.

Through innovation and strategic cooperation, such as the agreement recently agreed with Milkor, a South African defense company at the International Defense Exhibition & Expo (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in February 2025, PTDI will strengthen the development of light and medium class UAVs.

This collaboration is expected to improve the performance and features of the Wulung UAV, making it more adaptive to user needs. With continuously updated technology, the Wulung UAV is ready to contribute to maintaining national sovereignty and security. (guh)